How to survive making minimum wage

 Living on a low wage doesn’t always have to be difficult. Here are some tips on how to survive while making minimum wage.

With the economy not being so great, a lot of individuals are making minimum wage. Depending on what state you live in this means you only make anywhere from $5.15-$11.00 an hour. Making ends meet can be extremely difficult as it is but trying to be financially stable while making minimum wage can seem impossible. Here are some tips on how to get by while making minimum wage.

Reduce your housing costs

If you make minimum wage and your rent is currently more than you can afford, consider moving to a cheaper part of town. Or if you really have to, move to a different town all together. Even if you only save $100-$200 by doing this, that’s $100-$200 that can be spent on other expenses.

Get a roommate

In most cities and towns (especially in the Northeast) finding affordable housing can be like finding a microscopic needle in a gigantic hay stack. There may be subsidized housing but chances are you will be on that list for months or even years. So the next best thing to cheap rent is to split the cost of rent.

Seek alternative child care

Professional child care is super expensive. A much more affordable option is to use a family member or friend. You can pay this family member weekly or daily a much smaller fee than you would pay a daycare.

Don’t buy something unless it a bare necessity

I know this one sounds like a given but a lot of people don’t do this. Ask yourself, if you make minimum wage can you really afford to purchase those new Jordans? Do you really need to get your hair done for $100? We all know the answer to both of those is no. One great thing that anyone can do is go as long as possible without buying any clothes at all. Learn how to do your hair yourself, do your nails yourself as well.

Visit your local food bank or soup kitchen, and use food stamps

Find your nearest soup kitchen and get a free hot meal. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, plenty of people do it. This will save you tons of money. Most individuals who live on minimum wage qualify for food stamps. Depending on your eligibility and the number of people in your household, you can receive $150-$300 a month in food benefits. Also whatever you don’t use that month rolls over to the next month.

Shop for discounts

By being a bargain shopper you can save lots of money and your lights won’t get cut off. Save money on household items by going to the thrift shop or Wal-Mart. When you have a limited budget buying a new pair of shoes may seem like a luxury but you don’t have to deprive yourself. Go to Jimmy Jazz and get yourself some fly sneakers that are on sale.

Reduce your debt

If you have debt repayments such a student loans (like most of us). The best thing you can do is pay them off as soon as possible rather than letting them sit there while the interest makes them even worse. The best way to pay off your debt is to do it in big lump sums rather than small payments.

Save your pennies

Literally. I literally mean this. Regardless of age, everyone should have a piggy bank. That extra $10-$20 can be used for gas or grocery money.

Say no to credit cards

Everything you charge on your credit card will need to be repaid, with interest. If you’re earning $8 an hour, repaying thousands of dollars may feel like an insane challenge. Piling up credit card debt will only make it more difficult to cover all your expenses, plus your debt payments.

Walk and or take the bus

I know you may want a car but a car is a big responsibility. When you are making minimum wage a car is something that you can’t really afford to have. Don’t get me wrong, you can still save up for a car but the best thing you can do is wait until you get a higher paying job. Until then take the bus, walk, use Uber or carpool.